Vara calls this their “Signature Series.” The LG in the label stands for Laurent Gruet, who is their sparkling winemaker and who put New Mexico on the map with the exceptional Gruet sparkling wines. Now, having tasted a range of Vara wines, I see why they highlight this one.… Read more

Laurent Gruet, the man who put New Mexico on the map as a place for top quality sparkling wines, is now the sparkling winemaker at Vara, which helps explain why the wines across the board are so good. Typically, in the Champagne method, at the end of the second fermentation, the winemaker adds a little wine and sugar, known as the dosage, to round the edges of the finished Champagne.… Read more

A bit of background explains why this, and other Vara sparkling wines, are so good. Laurent Gruet, raised in Champagne, had been making world-class sparkling wines in New Mexico for 25 years under the eponymous Gruet label before he sold the company in 2014.… Read more

This powerful sparkling wine, made predominantly from Pinot Noir (75%) dazzles with subtlety spiced strawberries supported by great acidity. Chardonnay adds balance and elegance — and keeps you coming back for another glass. Though labeled as rosé, its color is more gold than pinkish.… Read more

Who would have imagined that one of this country’s finest sparkling wines is made in New Mexico! The back story: Gilbert Gruet grew up in Bethon in France’s Champagne region, where, in 1967, he was instrumental in creating a Champagne co-operative.… Read more

($35):  Though founded in 1997, Reddy Vineyards’ first wine under their label in was a 2015.  Before then, Reddy sold grapes to other producers, who made medal-winning wines using those grapes.  The story really started in 1971 when Vijay Reddy, a farmer from south India, immigrated to the U.S. … Read more

($20):  Consumers are invariably surprised when they are told that this “Champagne” is from New Mexico.  To Gruet’s credit, in addition to stunningly good wines, they label them Sparkling Wine, not Champagne.  This one, a Blanc de Blancs, which means they used only Chardonnay, is also labeled “zero dosage,” which means no sugar was added just prior to bottling. … Read more

($30): First, a little geography for those, like myself, who are unfamiliar with Idaho viticulture.  Koenig Vineyards, founded in 1995 by Greg Koenig and his family, is located just west of Boise in central Idaho near the Oregon border.  Their website informs us that they are in the Sunny Slope District of the Snake River Valley. … Read more

($19): You can imagine the curled lips and other facial expressions on my guests when I told them I was ordering a sparkling wine from a New Mexico producer, which was on the list at a very French restaurant (Le Coq Rico, run by Antoine Westermann, who formerly was the chef/owner at a Michelin 3-star in Alsace). … Read more

($14): This is another pleasant surprise from the category of under $14 a bottle Sauvignon Blanc tasted blind at this year’s San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.  Nicely pungent, it delivers a nice bite without going overboard.  It has a remarkable finish, especially at this price.… Read more

($13): Snoqualmie highlights and emphasizes its eco-friendly practices — organic grapes, recycled paper — you get the idea.  But to me what sets it apart is its incredible value-packed wines.  This Cabernet — made from organic grapes — is a stunning, unbelievable $13 bottle of wine. … Read more

($20): As enthusiastic as I am for Snoqualmie’s regular Cabernet, the Reserve is even more eye-popping.  To reiterate, similar to Snoqualmie’s regular Cabernet, the quality of this Reserve Cabernet is extraordinary, considering the price.  It’s longer and more concentrated — filled with black fruit-like flavors, herbal notes and spice — but thankfully, it’s not one of those massive “killer” Cabernets. … Read more

($14):  Wine from where, New Mexico?  And high class bubbly to boot.  Although wine aficionados know that Gruet has a track record for making excellent sparkling wine, most people are truly amazed when I suggest a sparkling wine from New Mexico. … Read more

 ($16):  Chardonnay grown on the East Coast rarely achieves the ripeness of its West Coast counterpart, and hence, the wines are sleeker and more vibrant.  This racy Chardonnay from Truro, on Cape Cod and a site better known for its beaches than its wine, fits that mold. … Read more